John Humphreys, who has been helping to collect the tree since the tradition began, said: “I couldn’t envisage that 60 years down the line I’d still be going up to the wood with a band of merry men and bringing back with me the largest man-handled tree in Wales. It’s been an honour over the years.”

Volunteer Nicolas Evans added: “This is the highlight of the year for me, it’s the only date in my calendar.

“It’s something I’ve done since a child. What better way to spend it having [than] a drink in the local bar and having a good old sing song of hymns and songs of yesteryear after a day’s graft with great friends.”

Dai Davies, of the Rhayader Christmas Tree Committee, is among the third generation of volunteers from his family.

data-ad-format="auto">

“It’s an honour to be part of such an historic tradition and so great to still see the original members make the annual pilgrimage up the wood,” he said.

Image copyrightDavid DaviesImage caption The tree is put up every year on the first Sunday of December at the town clock in Rhayader